Anyone fishing Echo rods?

[east or bust]

I am looking for a 9wt rod for pike and musky. I stopped in a local shop the other day looking for flies and the shop owner mentioned Echo rods.. as a cheap way to stock up for a fly fishing club I'm running. Previously I had never heard of the company. He let me cast one of the rods out in the yard, I believe it was the Echo Prime in an 8wt. Upon quick inspection it felt very light and had plenty of backbone and power (way more than my old Sage RPLX). Tim Rajeff runs the show, so makes sense I guess.

It got me thinking, for the cost, they have a couple other cheap-ish rods, it might be worth a try. Even if it's just as a beater boat rod.


Does anyone have experience, testimonials, horror stories, about these rods?

[concretejungle]

My wife has a couple of their two handed rods and likes them once she got them lined properly. Our daughter also has an Echo Gecko that I occasionally use and it's a nice rod.

A couple guys on the board use them. Lobstahmeatwad has one that I've fished and other than it being a 10 foot trout rod and a little heavy I have no complaints and I'm pretty sure his buddy runs the lighter version and loves them. If you search here you'll find a couple comments about using one for a streamer rod.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy them.

[east or bust]

Searching posts was definitely the way to go, thanks.

[Underoos]

Previously I had never heard of the company.

That's a joke, right?


Concretejungle, if she outgrows that Gecko I'll take it off your hands. My boy is only a year and a half but I'm going through a daily struggle of not buying a Gecko for him already.

[regct]

I use an Echo Carbon 5 wt. Great rod and the warranty is $$

[ak_powder_monkey]

Basically they cast great for the money but they are heavy as fuck.

[east or bust]

Well, went with the 9' 9wt Ion paired with a Kraken. Will update when I have put some time on it.

Definitely going to be heavy.. current 8wt is 3-5/8 oz, Ion is 5.5 oz. Hopefully the reel cuts out some of the difference.

[intheways]

I've got one of the switch rods and it seems to cast pretty well.

[Dickeymotto]

I've got a 4wt Glass and a 4wt Shadow II. I love them both, but the Shadow II stands out as one of my favorite rods. It is really thoughtfully designed and does both Euro nymphing and technical dry fly fishing really well.

[BS720]

If anyone needs a rod, I have two extra Echo 3S's that I don't need. Picked them up on eBay for a family member who decided on only keeping one. Passed on to you for what I got them for, which was a great deal, plus shipping to you. 7wt is $147.50, 6wt is $96. Both have tubes(new tubes), light soiling of the cork, very light wear. Look like they were used in a parking lot a few times.

[lifelinksplit]

My old lady has a 7wt that is great for whiskey drunk streamer slinging. Definitely better than the broken Winston that's been sitting on my dash all summer cuz I'm too lazy to send it in(or just drop it by)

[snapt]

Basically they cast great for the money but they are heavy as fuck.

Ha, this. I have a few 2 handers, original Dechos that are great. Have my eye on a Glass spray rod in the near future as well. Good people and warranty behind the product.

[east or bust]

Good people and warranty behind the product.

From what I read on their website there is no need to pre purchase the warranty? Just send in money with the rod.. If that's the case, awesome.

[snapt]

That's how every rod company operates.

[east or bust]

Pardon my ignorance, never had a rod break on me.

[tomicogs]

I've had some time with their Solo 9'/5wt and gotta say it was a dang nice rod for $130 retail....great for introducing somebody or as a loaner/backup without much investment. Even used it in a 5wt casting comp last year and had third highest score for the day.

[steved]

I'd like to try their #5wt OptiStream as well....although not sure what kind of price can be lined up...
Just goes to show it's largely the person handling the rod tomicogs...

[snapt]

Speaking of which I have an Echo Edge 590-4 used once for sale. 100$ shipped?

[Dickeymotto]

I'd like to try their #5wt OptiStream as well....although not sure what kind of price can be lined up...

The OptiStream is from Loop, not Echo.

[steved]

The OptiStream is from Loop, not Echo.

AH YES! DM, ...you are so right..my bad.

[east or bust]

New setup is ready to go, hoping to get on some water to test things out tomorrow.

The running line of this new fly line is like the belly on the old stuff.. Going to be chuck like crazy.